Data Catalog

Deepwater Horizon Seafood Safety Oracle Database (2010)

In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. In response to this spill, the National Marine Fisheries Service initiated a data collection and analysis program to monitor the health and safety of Gulf of Mexico fisheries resources. Data were collected in conjunction with existing Southeast Fisheries Science Center Mississippi Laboratories resource surveys using various survey gear, as well as by several contracted commercial fishing vessels with NMFS scientists onboard to collect standardized data and resource samples. The area impacted by the oil was separated into grids and a sampling design was developed with sample sizes determined based on the extent of oil impact (number of days with oil). Sampling was higher in areas under oil for a longer period of time, while minimal sampling was conducted on the boundaries of the grids in areas not under any oil. Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) protocols were used for all sampling to ensure standardization of data with historical resource surveys data collection by NMFS. Key commercially and recreationally important fish and crustacean species were targeted for sampling. Data was collected on all species sampled, including lengths and weights. Subsamples of targeted species were immediately wrapped in a double layer of aluminum foil and either chilled or frozen for sensory analysis. Samples were transported to the Mississippi Laboratories within one week for sensory analysis by the National Seafood Inspection Laboratory and for oil and dispersant analysis by the Northwest Fisheries Science Center.

Access Constraints: There are not restrictions or legal prerequisites for accessing this data. | Use Constraints: NOAA NMFS does not approve, recommend, or endorse any proprietary product or proprietary material mentioned in this publication. No reference shall be made to NMFS, or to this publication furnished by NMFS, in any advertising or sales promotion which would indicate or imply that NMFS approves, recommends, or endorses any proprietary product or proprietary material mentioned herein or which has as its purpose any intent to cause directly or indirectly the advertised product to be used or purchased because of this NMFS publication. NMFS is not responsible for any uses of these datasets beyond those for which they were intended, and NMFS makes no claims regarding the accuracy of any data provided by agencies or individuals outside NMFS. Acknowledgement of NOAA NMFS and SEAMAP would be appreciated in products derived or publications generated from this data.